Albanese’s $37M Salmon Deal: Sustainability or Politics?

• $37M boost for salmon farming & skate conservation.

• Environmental impact debated; reports show improvement.

• Criticism over delayed action & activist opposition.

• Industry defends sustainability claims.

• Key question: Can farming & conservation coexist?

Written by Warrence Oghenevwegba

Published on: February 22, 2025, 8:37 A.M

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $37 million to Tasmania’s salmon industry, promising environmental safeguards while securing jobs in the sector. But is this a true balancing act between conservation and industry, or just a way to appease both sides?

Salmon Farming Under Fire

Tasmania’s salmon industry has faced years of scrutiny, especially in Macquarie Harbour, where conservation groups raised concerns about its impact on the endangered Maugean skate. The core issue? A drop in dissolved oxygen levels, which reportedly led to a decline in the skate’s population.

In response, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek was urged to determine if salmon farms had the proper approvals to operate under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Her delayed decision left the industry in limbo. Meanwhile, scientific reports painted a complex picture—water quality had improved since 2022, and the skate’s population was now at a 10-year average.

A “Win-Win” or Just Damage Control?

Albanese’s announcement of $37 million in funding aims to further improve water conditions and establish a captive breeding program for the skate. He framed the move as a victory for both conservation and industry, stating, “That’s so important for job creation, but should also be a great source of pride.”

But not everyone is convinced. Shadow Environment Minister Jonno Duniam criticized the government for taking too long to act, arguing that the industry had been left in uncertainty for over a year. He also accused environmental groups of having an agenda beyond conservation, stating, “The reality is these green groups will never be happy. They just want to shut down the salmon industry.”

Regulation vs. Reputation

Salmon Tasmania’s CEO, Martin, defended the industry, asserting that Tasmania produces salmon under the highest regulatory conditions. He emphasized that the recent improvements in water quality show the industry’s ability to adapt and operate sustainably. However, concerns remain about disease outbreaks in the southeast region, attributed to rising water temperatures and bacterial infections.

From an environmental perspective, this move highlights a growing challenge: can large-scale aquaculture coexist with vulnerable species in a changing climate? While government funding can help mitigate damage, it doesn’t eliminate the industry’s impact.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about Tasmanian salmon or the Maugean skate. It’s about how governments manage industries that rely on natural ecosystems. Is this investment a model for sustainable industry practices, or just a political strategy to keep both business and conservation groups at bay?

What do you think—can salmon farming and conservation truly go hand in hand, or is this just a temporary fix for a deeper issue?